Canberra United FC
Canberra United
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| Full name |
Canberra United Football Club |
| Founded |
2008 |
| Ground |
McKellar Park, Belconnen
(Capacity: 2000) |
| Key people |
Kate Lundy (Chairperson)
Heather Reid (CEO) |
| Coach |
Jitka Klimková |
| League |
W-League |
| 2011-12 |
1 (league) |
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| Current season |
Canberra United Football Club is an Australian football (soccer) club that competes in the W-League, the national women's competition. Based in Canberra, the club was formed in 2008 for the league's inaugural season.[1] Canberra is the only team in the league that is not affiliated to a men's A-League club, although a team in the National Youth League from Canberra also competes (being the AIS). In their first season Canberra were runners-up, defeated by Queensland in the final.
History
W-League 2008/09 Season
The first announcement of the club came in July 2008, coinciding with the establishment of the new W-League. The formation of the new club presented a unique situation in the league, that it was not associated with an established A-League side. In August, Canberra appointed Matildas assistant coach Robbie Hooker as coach for the inaugural season, and ACT Senator Kate Lundy as club chair.[2][3] United also announced its first key signing in local Canberran and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams. Hooker made a number of key signings in the first registration window, also securing Caitlin Munoz, Amy Chapman, Grace Gill-McGrath, Hayley Crawford, Rhian Davies, Thea Slatyer for the inaugural season. The squad was further expanded in the lead up to the first round, signing on a number of players from the ACT and Southern NSW, and also signing Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray from Queensland. The final squad presented significant strength on paper, boasting eight full internationals and a further four Young Matildas.
United started the season steadily, alternating losses and wins in the opening rounds - including a win over eventual Premiers Queensland Roar. Scoring came with some difficulty for the side, with four goals in their opening first five matches. Influencing this record was an injury to striker Caitlin Munoz in Round 1, keeping her sidelined for a number of weeks. Munoz's return to the side in Round 6 immediately lifted the scoring rate, contributing four goals in the last five rounds. Despite early losses, Canberra were unbeaten in the last seven rounds of the competition, achieving a third placed finish with a record of four wins, four draws and two losses. Canberra's strength throughout the season has been in defence, drawn from a number of experienced players. In front of a dependable Williams in goal, a defensive backline led by Thea Slatyer and captain Ellie Brush frustrated opposition and ensured the second-best defensive record in the competition, bettered only by Premiers Queensland.
United won their away semi-final against Newcastle Jets,[4] and progressed to the inaugural final, where they were defeated by Queensland Roar.
W-League 2009 season
There are a number of changes at Canberra for their second season, most notably the departure of Robbie Hooker and appointment of Ray Junna as coach.[5] Junna has commenced preparations for the new season to establish a new squad, and has retained most of the locally based players. Star striker from the previous season Caitlin Munoz is unable to play this season due to a knee operation, but has accepted an assistant coach role with Junna.[6]
Colours and badge
The primary club colour of Canberra United is green, chosen principally since it did not clash with the other seven clubs in the inaugural competition. They are the second elite sporting team from the city to wear a green jersey after National Rugby League club, Canberra Raiders. This has led to some cross-promotion between the two 'green machine' teams.[7]
The Canberra United badge depicts the flagpole of Parliament House, a symbol of Canberra.
Stadium
Canberra play their home matches at McKellar Park, more formally known as Belconnen Soccer Centre, a purpose built football ground in north Canberra. Since 2009, Canberra have played occasional home matches at Deakin Stadium, a newly-completed football ground in central Canberra.
United also have the potential to play significant matches at the 25,011 capacity Canberra Stadium. A match involving Canberra United was played at the ground in 2009, although it was officially a home game for Canberra's opponents, Central Coast Mariners. The match was a curtain-raiser to the Mariners' A-League fixture.
Supporters
The Canberra United fans are known collectively as 'Capital Punishment', and are based on the western hill of McKellar Park. Supporters groups within these numbers include "Capital Hill", "Green Leprechauns" and "The Binbag Army"
Canberra United had the highest attendance in the W-League in the inaugural season with an average crowd of 1029.
Current squad
Correct as of 11 Nov 2011.[8] Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
| Season |
Kit manufacturer |
Shirt sponsor |
Secondary sponsors |
| 2008 |
Hummel |
CFMEU |
Capital Tourism
ActewAGL
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| 2008-09 |
| 2010 |
The Tradies |
| 2011 |
Rock Development Group |
Achievements
Records
- Highest win: 4-0 v Adelaide United (4 December 2010)
- Highest loss: 0-3 v Brisbane Roar (3 October 2009)
See also
References
External links
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Canberra United W-League
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